Sen. Lindsey Graham is not pleased with President Barack Obama’s strategy — or what he considers the lack thereof — when it comes to fighting ISIS.
“I would fire everybody,” Graham said to CNN’s Wolf Blitzer on “The Situation Room,” referring to Obama administration decision-makers.
The Republican presidential candidate expressed his concerns over the current state of both Iraq and Syria, stating that he met with Gen. Joseph Dunford on Wednesday who warned of a potential “tsunami of ISIL fighters” coming to the United States.
The South Carolina senator laid out his own plan to contain and destroy ISIS in the region.
“I think if you had more American troops it would help the Iraqi Army fight, it would take the fight to ISIL more effectively,” Graham said.
Graham’s words came shortly after it was announced Wednesday that the U.S. military received significantly fewer Iraqi recruits than originally anticipated. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said the count of potential trainees went from 24,000 expected to 7,000 in reality.
“I don’t blame anybody for not joining us after we cut and ran on them,” Graham said.
Graham also discussed the new Iraqi prime minister’s relationship with Iran, stating the only effective thing standing between ISIS and Iraq is the Iranian-controlled Shia militia.
“I said when we pulled out in 2011 that the Iranians would be dancing in the street if they believed in dancing … Iran is clearly the biggest winner,” Graham said.
Graham, who is running for president, is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.